Earlier, in the worst-ever attack, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday likened the ongoing poll campaign in Maharashtra by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet to an assault by Bijapur general Afzal Khan's army on Shivaji's dominion in the 17th century.

"What are they up to? First Modi comes to campaign, then his entire cabinet team is campaigning for votes in Maharashtra. They are like the Army of Afzal Khan trying to conquer this state," Uddhav thundered at a huge public rally in the temple of town of Tulzapur.